A Search for Evidence

Mexico 2008 – Your life in Christ – Search for Evidence – View Original PDF

Today we continue our look at what living in Christ looks like. In John 15 we found out the conditional response Christ expects from us to move us from a slave to his friend. Do you recall what it is? Today well will begin looking at evidence that shows who the master of your life is, or in some cases, isn’t. Do you recall what fruit bearing proves?

Philippians 1:11
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Hard Evidence
RIGHTEOUSNESS, n. ri’chusness. – (Webster’s Dictionary)
1. Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.
2. Applied to God, the perfection or holiness of his nature; exact rectitude; faithfulness.
3. The active and passive obedience of Christ, by which the law of God is fulfilled. Dan 9.
4. Justice; equity between man and man. Luke 1.
5. The cause of our justification.
The Lord our righteousness. Jer 23.

Read: ~ Galatians 5:16 – 26

1. When Paul says “Walk by the Spirit”, what do you think he means?

2. After reading verses 16 -18, do you think walking by the Spirit means you won’t ever sin? Or perhaps sin doesn’t really apply to you since you would not be under the law?

3. In verses 19 & 20 provide some serious works of the flesh. Are you struggling with any of these areas in your life? Are you characterized by any of them?

4. Do you see the results of any of the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 or the fruit of righteousness in your life? Are you lacking in any? If so which ones?

5. What do you think Paul means by “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit?

6. Other than verses 22 & 23 what other examples or results of fruit do you see in these passages?

LIVING IT OUT
If you’re struggling with any of the works of the flesh that could be hindering your faith, ask someone you trust, or one of your youth leaders to pray for that area and help keep you accountable. It is what brothers and sisters in Christ are here for. Likewise, if you are lacking evidence of the fruit, do the same.

Prayer Points:
Complete Trust in Christ
Boldness in the Gospel
Abiding in Christ
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